It’s no secret that we love Osprey backpacks — we’ve been utilizing Osprey merchandise since 2008. Actually, we’ve put extra miles on our Osprey Farpoint 55 than some other backpack in our closet filled with backpacks. That stated, the Farpoint 55 is technically too giant to be thought-about “carry-on measurement” on some finances airways so we needed to evaluation our the Osprey Farpoint 40 to see if we like this journey backpack as a lot as its greater brother.

Word One: The Osprey has a ladies’s model of the Osprey Farpoint referred to as the Osprey Fairview. It’s primarily the identical backpack with a number of minor tweaks. The Farpoint is definitely a unisex backpack so it can work for anybody.

Observe Two: We bought the Farpoint with our personal cash so this can be a utterly unbiased evaluation.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Vs Osprey Farpoint 55

Earlier than we get began, we figured we’d do a fast rundown on the distinction between the Osprey Farpoint 40 vs 55 in case you have been debating between the 2 backpacks.

To start with, the Farpoint 55 is definitely a 41L backpack with a removable 14L daypack. The Farpoint 40 is a 40L backpack (it doesn’t have a daypack). Subsequently, each luggage are very comparable in general measurement however they’re totally different in a number of areas.

The Farpoint 40 is about 4 inches shorter than the Farpoint 55 (by the best way, the Farpoint 55’s peak is often what makes it too giant to be thought-about a real carry-on however the 40 ought to be high quality). The Farpoint 40 is an inch wider than the Farpoint 55 so this helps make up for a little bit of the misplaced area.

The Farpoint 40 has a easy tech pocket/organizer within the entrance of the bag however the Farpoint 55 has its tech pocket constructed into the day pack.

There are a couple of different minor variations however general each luggage share a lot of the similar options — together with:

Entrance Loading (Opens Like a Suitcase)

Wonderful Shoulder Harness/Straps (which additionally zip away)

Padded Hipbelt

Aspect and Prime Carrying Handles

Two Measurement Choices: S/M and M/L

Unisex and Feminine-Particular Model

Lockable Zippers

Sturdy Material (210-denier ripstop nylon/600-denier packcloth)

Comparable Weight (40L is 3lbs 2.7 ouncesand 55L is 3lbs 14.four oz)

Osprey Farpoint 40: Fast Evaluate

The Farpoint 40 simply survived checked baggage from France to Germany to JFK.

We actually dig the Farpoint 40 (we’ve lengthy liked the Farpoint 55, in any case). In our thoughts, it’s a terrific selection for individuals who need a true carry-on sized backpack (whether or not you’re a one-bag traveler otherwise you journey with a backpack + suitcase). You possibly can truly carry a strong quantity of stuff with you so a sensible packer can simply use this for long-term journey. The 40L measurement retains the bag pretty streamlined so you must have the ability to navigate busy streets and public transportation with out knocking everybody over.

We additionally like how all of the Farpoint backpacks have a superb shoulder harness and hip belts — it’s virtually as snug as full-fledged climbing backpacks and it’s definitely a lot better than simply about each journey backpack.

The Farpoint 40 retails for $160 so it’s additionally fairly reasonably priced when in comparison with different journey backpacks.

The place to purchase:

Zappos: We like how Zappos has free delivery and free super-simple returns — which is useful if the bag doesn’t match otherwise you’re simply not digging it. See the Farpoint and Fairview at Zappos.

Amazon: You possibly can typically discover barely cheaper costs however returns could be a bit harder they usually’re not all the time free. See the Farpoint and Fairview at Amazon.

REI: Free delivery and REI members get again 10% retailer credit score on all purchases. See the Farpoint and Fairview at REI.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Assessment: In-Depth Look

At this level we’ve has an excellent period of time to check the Farpoint. We first took the bag to Good, France (which included an extended layover in Frankfurt that required loads of strolling) after which we took it for a weekend journey to Portland. So let’s take an in-depth take a look at the Farpoint 40 to see what’s working and what could possibly be higher on this in style journey backpack.

General Consolation

We’ve stated it one million occasions that consolation is a large issue with regards to how we price backpacks — as a result of touring is not any enjoyable when your again is killing you. For us, we would like a backpack that’s snug for short-distance metropolis journey — for instance, journeys from the practice station to the hostel/lodge or journeys via the airport to the practice, and so forth.

And on the subject of consolation, your complete Osprey Farpoint line does superbly. That’s as a result of the Farpoint makes use of a suspension system (i.e. shoulder straps and hip belt) that you simply’d discover on extra superior climbing backpacks — which is pretty uncommon on backpacks made for city journey.

The Osprey web site states that the Farpoint 40 is rated to comfortably carry 20lbs-40lb however we advocate protecting your load nearer to 20lbs for optimum consolation.

Additionally, we love how the Farpoint is available in each S/M and M/L sizes. Moreover, the female-specific Fairview is available in XS/S and S/M. That stated, tall ladies may need to use the Farpoint as a result of it’d match higher.

So let’s check out the person points that make up the Farpoint 40’s suspension system.

Shoulder Straps

Shoulder straps contour shoulders.

The shoulder straps on the Farpoint are snug and we love how they conform to our shoulders. In case you take a look at the pictures you’ll be able to see how there isn’t a niche between the again of the shoulder and the straps. The straps even have load lifter straps (the little straps on the very prime of the shoulder straps) that allow you to pull the backpack nearer to your again.

The padding on the shoulder straps isn’t overly thick nevertheless it’s lots adequate and the straps a great width — which helps distribute the load of the load properly. You’ll additionally discover mesh webbing alongside the straps to assist a bit with airflow.

The shoulder straps even have an adjustable sternum/chest strap which helps take strain off your shoulders.

Hip Belt

The hip belt on the Farpoint 40 isn’t as strong as what you’d discover on a mountaineering backpack however it’s appropriate for city journey. Actually, big hip belts are a bit cumbersome for metropolis journey so this Farpoint strikes a pleasant stability of measurement and performance. We do sort of want there was a small exterior pocket on the hip belt however that’s a minor grievance.

Inner Body and Again Padding

Mesh padding on the again.

The Farpoint backpack has a light-weight inner body that provides the backpack construction and this actually helps distribute the load of the load out of your shoulders to your hips. The interior body additionally helps maintain the bag up towards your again so the load doesn’t slouch down and away out of your again.

The Farpoint 40 has a strong quantity of mesh padding on the again panel. The mesh helps encourage air flow towards your again. I nonetheless discovered that my again obtained just a little sweaty however I’ve by no means discovered a backpack that didn’t make my again a minimum of just a little sweaty.

Stowaway Straps

The shoulder strap and hip belt could be hidden away behind a zippered panel. That is useful if you want to verify your bag (so your harness stays protected). We additionally like the power to zip the harness away earlier than we get on the aircraft so it’s simpler to stroll by means of the slender aisle and stow the bag within the overhead bin.

Group and Format

Suitcase opening and plenty of room inside.

The subsequent most essential factor a few backpack is how the bag handles group so let’s check out all of the methods the Farpoint helps hold your stuff so as.

Fundamental Compartment

A not-so-neatly packed backpack

The Farpoint 40 principally has one cavernous compartment so that you can match the majority of your stuff — it’s primarily identical to a suitcase in that sense and its barely boxy form enables you to match an excellent quantity of stuff. As you’ll be able to see, the bag additionally opens up like a suitcase so packing/unpacking is straightforward.

We advocate utilizing packing cubes with this backpack if you wish to maximize your area and make accessing your stuff a lot simpler — here’s a listing of our favourite packing cubes.

On the entrance panel, there’s a zippered mesh pocket for storing flat issues. There’s a little bit of dimension on the mesh pocket so you’ll be able to simply match one thing like packing folders, a skinny toiletry package, flip flops, or simply some soiled garments.

Laptop computer/Tech Pocket

One of many downsides of getting a sturdy inner body and superior suspension system is that you could’t actually put a laptop computer sleeve towards your again. That’s why the Farpoint 40’s laptop computer/pill compartment is situated on the entrance of the bag. This can be a bit lower than perfect because you ideally need heavy gadgets to be up towards your again nevertheless it’s one of many tradeoffs of getting a cushty backpack. If in case you have a light-weight laptop computer or pill you then in all probability gained’t discover the location however in case you have a clunker laptop computer you may really feel the load a bit extra.

The remainder of the tech pocket is fairly primary with one zippered mesh pocket and one giant important pocket (which may simply maintain a light-weight jacket). You’ll additionally discover the interior materials is a loopy vibrant inexperienced — this helps you find issues inside these pockets. It’s a bit ugly however we expect it’s truly a very sensible concept.

Prime Stash Pocket

There’s a small quick-access pocket on the highest/entrance of the backpack. That is superb for issues like your telephone, sun shades, or different issues it’s essential get ceaselessly. You’ll additionally discover the brilliant inexperienced material. Additionally, the fabric is meant to be scratch free so it ought to be mild in your sun shades.

Water Bottle Pockets

Two water bottle pockets are a bit troublesome to make use of

There are two water bottle pockets on the again of the backpack. Since they’re on the again of the bag, you’re not capable of attain the bottles when you’re sporting the backpack. Additionally, the compression strap goes proper throughout the bag so it makes utilizing the water bottle pocket somewhat awkward. So yeah, it’s not an excellent useful water bottle answer.

Supplies, Zippers & High quality

Sturdy material

Now let’s check out the standard and craftsmanship of the Farpoint 40 — by the best way, all Osprey backpacks have a lifetime guarantee in order that’s often an excellent signal of high quality.

Supplies

The primary material on the Farpoint is a 210D Nylon Mini Hex Diamond Ripstop. It feels tremendous sturdy so we have now little question it is going to maintain as much as numerous put on and tear. For reference, our Farpoint 55 continues to be going robust after 10+ worldwide journeys.

Zippers

The zippers are hidden beneath the material flap.

The zippers are high-quality YKK zippers so all good there. The primary compartment’s zipper is beefy however clean. All the primary zippers have interlocking loops to allow them to be locked with a baggage lock.

There’s one minor annoyance we discovered when utilizing the zippers however it’s not the zippers fault. You see, the primary compartments have just a little material flap that covers the zippers so you have got the fold again the flap to make use of the zippers simply. On the plus aspect, the flap helps hold water off the zippers and it makes it more durable for different individuals to open your bag. So it’s not all dangerous however it’s a little annoying typically.

General High quality

As all the time with Osprey merchandise, the general high quality of the Farpoint is superb. You possibly can inform a variety of thought went into designing and manufacturing these luggage. The supplies are all prime notch.

And, as talked about beforehand, Osprey has a lifetime guarantee on all their backpacks.

Different Options

Let’s check out a couple of of the opposite options on the Farpoint 40.

Hand Grabs

Prime and aspect handles

The Farpoint has wonderful and well-padded hand grabs on the highest and aspect of the bag. We all know it doesn’t look like an enormous deal, however having padded carry handles is nice whenever you’re loading/unloading your bag. They’re additionally good if you need to carry your bag round with out placing it in your again.

Exterior Compression Straps

There are two exterior compression straps on the bag to assist cinch down the load. It’s a pleasant function however it does make unzipping the bag a ache as a result of you need to first unclip the straps to entry the zippers. The straps additionally cowl the water bottle pockets in order that they should be loosened/readjusted in the event you’re carrying a bottle.

General Ideas

Now that we’ve achieved a couple of journeys with the Farpoint 40, we will truthfully say that it’s an excellent strong backpack. It will get two thumbs up from us.

It’s snug, it might maintain a strong quantity of stuff, it’s sturdy, and it has a number of useful options. There are a couple of small areas the place the bag might be improved slightly however general we love the bag. We will certainly be taking this bag on future journeys.

So whether or not you’re a hardcore one-bag traveler otherwise you simply need a carry-on sized bag to accompany your different baggage, we propose testing the Farpoint 40.

Reminder: We bought the Farpoint with our personal cash so this can be a utterly unbiased evaluate. We’ve no affiliation/partnership with Osprey.

The place to Purchase

The Osprey Farpoint 40 (and the Fairview 40) retails for $160. You’ll be able to typically discover on-line retailers promoting them for barely much less. Under are a number of locations to take a look at:

Zappos: We like how Zappos has loopy quick free delivery and free super-simple returns — which is useful if the bag doesn’t match otherwise you’re simply not digging it. See the Farpoint and Fairview at Zappos.

Amazon: You’ll be able to typically discover barely cheaper costs however returns could be a bit harder they usually’re not all the time free. See the Farpoint and Fairview at Amazon.

REI: Free delivery and REI members get again 10% retailer credit score on all purchases. See the Farpoint and Fairview at REI.

No Humorous Enterprise

We need to be absolutely clear that this publish might include affiliate hyperlinks. Meaning we obtain a small fee when you make a purchase order after clicking the hyperlink — it doesn’t value you something additional and it helps help the location.

Thanks For The Help! — Susan and James

Questions? Study extra about our Strict Promoting Coverage and How To Help Us.